Wood fires banned Wednesday during Spare the Air alert

Wood fires in fireplaces and stoves will be banned in the Bay Area on Wednesday during the fourth Spare the Air alert of the cold season.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District issued the alert after predicting unhealthy air quality for Wednesday. Cold, stagnant air is expected to trap smoke and other fine particulates near the ground.

Pollution forecasters said other pollution alerts are possible this week because of continued chilly weather.

During the alerts, it's illegal for Bay Area residents and businesses to burn wood or other solid fuels in fireplaces, wood stoves and inserts, pellet stoves, or outdoor fire pits.